The National Universities Commission has identified poor incentives and poverty as some of the root causes of corruption in public institutions.
The executive secretary, Prof Julius Okojie stated this at the opening ceremony of a one-day seminar on Corruption and its Effects in the University System on Tuesday in Abuja.
The seminar was organized in partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Represented by Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, the Deputy Executive Secretary, Okojie said that corruption undermined democracy and created instability.
“Corruption entails unethical practices such as stealing, impropriety, lying, indiscipline, lawlessness, among others.
The root causes of corruption are weak government institutions, poor incentives, lack of transparence, absence of key anti-corruption rules, poverty and scramble for resources,’’ he said.
He said that NUC established anti-corruption unit in 2008 and had ensured that all vice-chancellors set up anti-corruption units in their respective institutions.
According to him, the fight against corruption led to the closure of illegal universities and screening of documents to guard against forgery.
“Some of the manifestations of inflation in the university system include inflation of contracts, forgery of certificates.
“A few of our erstwhile colleagues were sent parking for forgery; we have closed lots of illegal universities and we inspect and monitor universities to ensure that anti-corruption rules are followed,’’ Okojie said.
Earlier, Mr Nta Ekpo, ICPC Chairman, said that the approaches to combating corruption in the country had not been perfect but was improving.
Ekpo, who was represented the Mr Kwasi Justin, the Head of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, ICPC, expressed optimism that Nigeria would over the challenges of corruption.
According to Ekpo, Nigeria’s rating in the Transparency International Corruption index has improved over the years from 144 to 138 as it used to be permanently on number two.
“Public Office is a trust; you need to take your assignment seriously in order to make impact; show personal commitment in shunning corruption.
“As an institution, we are concentrating on preventive strategies but we have a robust investigation and prosecution if need be.
“Management of institutions should strive to give rewards to those who perform well and punish those who err,’’ he said.
